Garrison Texas History:
In approximately 1884 Captain J.H. Garrison purchased 387 acres of land on the Attoyac Bayou. That same year he conveyed 125 acres of land to the Houston, East and West Texas Railroad. Eleven of these acres were reserved for the right-of-way and the depot. The remaining acreage was for the townsite of Garrison. Early businesses included Garrison’s wood and railroad ties office, A.I. Simpson’s sawmill, the Greenwood Hotel, a general store, and cotton gins. The first train from Nacogdoches arrived in 1886, and was celebrated by a free ride to Nacogdoches on railroad flatcars. Garrison incorporated in 1890. By 1886, the town had developed into a well-known health resort because of its mineral springs, and had 500 residents. By 1915, it had grown to 1,000 residents. Coal mining was an important industry between 1896 and 1902. The Acme Brick Plant was the town’s largest employer during the 1980s. Today, the railroad tie and pulpwood businesses and clay are important area industries. Garrison is located on the Attoyac Bayou at the intersections of U.S. 59 and FM 95 and FM 138, 44 miles northeast of Alto, 40.8 miles northeast of Lufkin, 20 miles northeast of Nacogdoches, 45 miles slightly northeast of Rusk, 30 miles east of Sacul, 34 miles southeast of Henderson, 34.6 miles southwest of Carthage and the Upper Toledo Bend WMA, 29.3 miles southwest of Joaquin and the North Toledo Bend WMA, 32 miles southwest of the Louisiana border and Logansport, Louisiana, 8.4 miles southwest of Timpson, approximately 40 miles west of the Toledo Bend Reservoir, 45 miles northwest of San Augustine, 24.8 miles northwest of Center, and 43 miles north of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir and Etoile, Texas.

Timpson Frontier Days, July 4th Weekend:
Activities include a parade, heritage demonstrations, entertainment, arts & crafts, folklore, a pageant, a carnival, kiddie rides and more in downtown Timpson and SoSo Park. 10am-12 midnight. Free admission. This event is hosted by the Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce. Timpson is located 8.4 miles northeast of Garrison. (936) 254-3500.Timpson is located at the intersection of U.S. 59, U.S. 84 and SH 87, 8.4 miles northeast of Garrison. Timpson Map; Click to Enlarge

Mosquito Information:
The months of April through October are the worst months for mosquitoes. Rub yourself with Bounce Fabric Softener sheets, or with Vicks Vapor Rub or pure Mexican Vanilla. Some swear taking a daily vitamin B-1 pill works to repel mosquitoes. Mosquitoes love you when you eat bananas. Mosquitoes are also attracted to some perfumes, including perfumed shampoos. Planting Marigolds in your yard repels mosquitoes. On a picnic table try covering the bottom of a white plate with “lemon fresh” dish wash soap, or use citronella candles. Home Depot sometimes sells the candles in small metal buckets. The ThermaCell Mosquito Repellant is also quite effective in ridding small outdoor areas of mosquitos. Dynatrap Company makes a large standing electric mosquito machine that works like electric bug zappers. It is very successful at making large areas mosquito free. When purchasing mosquito repellent buy those with the ingredient N, N-diethyl-M-toluamide. The fine net clothing available from Cabela’s and other sporting goods stores is highly effective in preventing mosquito bites.

Attoyac Bayou & Map:
The bayou is formed in southeast Rusk County near the town of Mount Enterprise. It flows approximately 58 miles southeast and empties into the Angelina River and Sam Rayburn Reservoir. It forms the boundary between Nacogdoches, Shelby, and San Augustine Counties for much of its course. The lower section of the bayou has sufficient water for recreational activities almost year round; however, the upper section is extremely seasonal in nature. The entire length of the bayou is characterized by log jams which are often the major handicap to navigation.

Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park & Campground, 55 Acres, Garrison, TX:
This camp is the former site of an Indian Camp, grist mill, Boy Scout camp, hunting club, and Ozarka bottling site. Amenities include the spring fed pond, tent camping sites, picnic sites, horseshoes, volleyball, a bathhouse, a picnic pavilion, recreation halls, and RV sites with full hookups. Open year round; fees apply. (936) 564-8888. The park is located 14 miles north of Nacogdoches, off SH 259 at 4675 CR 153, Garrison, TX 75946. EmailFacilities Map

Lake Timpson, 223 Acres, Garrison, TX:
Lake Timpson was impounded on Blackwater Creek. It is owned by the Shelby County Freshwater District No. 1 in Timpson. The lake produces a large number of trophy sized bass. Crappie and catfish are also present, though not in large numbers. Amenities include a 2 lane ramp (accommodates all boat types) and a picnic area. The boat ramp is open year round; no fees apply. Lake maps are available from the Shelby County Freshwater district office. Shelby County: (936) 254-2421. Boat Ramp: Take U.S. 59 four miles east of Garrison. At the lake sign, turn south on FM 2667 and drive to the boat ramp.Lake RecordsStocking History

Lake Naconiche & Park:
This 692 surface area lake was impounded in 1012. The north and south branches of the lake were formed by the Naconiche and Telesco creeks. The east side of the lake near the spillway is the deepest portion of the lake at approximately 40 feet. Fish species include largemouth bass, Guadalupe and spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill. Amenities include a courtesy dock and fishing pier, a boat ramp, a sailboat area, picnic tables, a playground, restrooms and a swimming area. Dogs must be leashed. Bird dogs may be used when hunting waterfowl. Activities include picnicking, boating, fishing, and scuba diving. Day or annual park permits are required and may be purchased at the Nacogdoches County courthouse (101 West Main Street). Scuba divers may a daily fee. The park is an official ShareLunker Weigh & Holding Station. The park is open daily, 6am-6pm. Swimming is allowed during daylight hours only. The park and lake are owned and operated by Nacogdoches County.The park is an official ShareLunker Weigh & Holding Station. (936) 559-9038. The lake is located off SH 59 in Garrison, Texas, 14 miles northeast of Nacogdoches. FacebookLake RecordsFish Stocking HistoryLatest Survey Report

Lake Murvaul Information:
This 3,820 acre lake was impounded on Murvaul Bayou in 1958. It has a maximum depth of 36 feet. Lake activities include boating, water sports, fishing, hiking and camping. Predominant fish species include largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, and redear sunfish. The lake has an excellent largemouth bass fishery, and produces bass over 8 pounds. Largemouth bass fishing is best January through March. Amenities include a children’s park, campsites, picnic areas, a marina, boat ramps and docks, a fishing pier, fish cleaning stations, a fish weighing station, trails, a picnic pavilion and restrooms. The lake is located lake approximately 15 miles northeast of Mount Enterprise and 12 miles southwest of Carthage off FM 1970.For more complete lake information, go to the Lakes tab on the main OutAboutTexas menu bar at the top of this page and select the lake from the menu. Lake Murvaul Location MapCurrent Lake LevelTPWD Lake Facilities Map

North Toledo Bend Wildlife Management Area Information:
This 3,650 acre wildlife management area has been set aside for the purpose of creating and restoring waterfowl breeding and wintering habitat. This area borders the east and west banks of the Sabine River, at the extreme north end of the Toledo Bend Reservoir. The project includes the impoundment ozzjoaf a 500 acre area of land. The dam was designed to hold water at the 172 m.s.l. elevation when Toledo Bend Reservoir is full and waterfowl are migrating southward, and to release water back into the reservoir after the northward migration. The shallow wetlands area provides habitat to many species of waterfowl including wintering mallards and wood ducks, dove, quail, non-game birds, wading and shore birds, white-tailed deer, mammals, reptiles and fish. Visitors may access the area by vehicle as well as enter the 500-acre impoundment via a roller boat ramp which has been constructed on the 200-foot long embankment. Bring your own drinking water and insect repellant. There are no restrooms. Registered campers may use the primitive camping area located in a cleared area on the north end of the WMA. While in designated campsites, horses should be kept haltered on a lead or in a pen area authorized by TPWD personnel. All horses must have proof of a negative Coggins test. Equestrian use is permitted September 1-27 and March 16-August 31. Other activities include bicycling, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Approximately three miles of roads are available for hiking; there are no designated trails. (936) 569-8547. For more complete WMA information, go to the North Toledo Bend WMA Home Page. From Joaquin take FM 139 south for approximately 4.7 miles to the intersection of FM 139 and FM 2572. Travel east on FM 2572 1.7 miles to entrance.

Alazan Bayou WMA Information:
This 2,063 acre Wildlife Management Area was purchased in 1991 to preserve mature bottomland hardwood forests adjacent to the Angelina River.Habitat consists of these forests and fields adjacent to the Angelina River, and Loco Bayou and Moral Creek. Hunting is available on the Blount and the Old River Tracts. Wildlife includes waterfowl, white-tailed deer, woodcock, rabbits, turkey, squirrels and feral hogs. Hunting for deer with firearms is prohibited. Primitive camping is permitted in designated campsites. Horseback riding is allowed March 16-September 26th. All horses must have proof of a negative Coggins test. All visitors are required to register with the park. There are three entrances along FM 2782 with information and registration stations located at each entrance. The only other amenity is the ADA compliant wildlife observation platform. Bring water and insect repellant. (936) 569-8547. The office is located at 1805 E. Lufkin, Lufkin, Texas. For more complete WMA information, go to the Alazan Bayou WMA Home Page. The WMA is located approximately 6.2 miles southwest of Nacogdoches. From Nacogdoches take U.S. 59 South for approximately 6.2 miles. Go west on FM 2782 for 1.1 miles.

Learn to Camp at Texas Parks & Wildlife State Parks' Outdoor Family Camping Workshops:
Theseworkshops are family camping sessions designed to teach camping skills to those who do not know how to camp; everything is provided from tent to broom. Gear includes a coffee pot, dishes, cooking pots, a camp stove, a battery operated fan and lantern, air mattresses, and a tent. Basic skills taught include pitching a tent, making a campfire, cooking on a propane camp stove, geocaching and using a GPS. Wildlife viewing, fishing and kayaking are available depending on the park and its facilities. After making reservations, families will be sent a packet of information which includes a grocery list. Those interested in this program may sign up for E-Mail Updates on Currently Scheduled Workshops. (512) 389-8903. Calendar

Hunt Texas Online Connection:
More than 95% of Texas land is privately owned, making it hard for hunters to find affordable hunting opportunities. The Texas Parks and Wildlife has a huge public hunting program, and has developed a new service to help hunters find hunting places. This new service is provided free by the TPWD. It allows landowners to list available hunting leases or spots that have opened up, and allows hunters to find private hunting leases according to their preferences.